‘WAR’ BREWING OVER ‘MANYOVU’

MBABANE – A ‘war’ is brewing over the ownership of former Eswatini international player Bonginkhosi ‘Manyovu’ Dlamini.

The erstwhile Royal Leopard winger was in the books of top Angolan side Sagrada Esperanca, where he signed a two-year contract which was, however, terminated after both parties failed to reach an agreement over contractual issues. The speedy winger, upon his return in the country, attracted the eyes of Mbabane Highlanders, Mbabane Swallows and his former team ‘Ingwe Mabalabala’, who were all vying for his signature.

He once hinted that he was considering quitting professional football after being linked with the capital city giants yet his former club Royal Leopard claimed to be his rightful owners.
‘Manyovu’ was, however, unveiled by Inkunz’emnyama Managing Director (MD) Chief Ally Kgomongwe about two weeks back at a fully packed Somhlolo National Stadium, before the start of the 2022 TOTALEnergies CAF Confederation Cup match between Highlanders and South African DStv Premiership outfit Royal AM. Speaking on national radio, the Eswatini Broadcasting and Information Services (EBIS 1) Sports Show yesterday morning, Royal Leopard Public Relations Officer (PRO) Frank Hurube said they had not released a clearance for ‘Manyovu’ to any team. This was after he was asked by the host Nathi ‘Mdockies’ Hlophe if they issued the player’s clearance to Highlanders. “Where is this clearance going and who wants it, whom did Mbabane Highlanders approach?” Hurube briefly asked the host.

Meanwhile, the black and white capital giants PRO, Mandla Madonsela, vehemently confirmed that ‘Manyovu’ signed for them, which confirmed that he was now their player. “The player you are talking about signed a two-year contract with us, we are currently finalising a few logistics, but what I can assure you is that come October 1, he will be donning the famous black and white kit,” Madonsela said. He said Hurube was in denial over the issue of the player when asked about what he had said on national radio yesterday morning. Madonsela could not comment on the issue of whether the player had his clearance or they approached Leopard for his clearance as he said they were busy with sorting out the needed documents.

The player is training with Highlanders and he was among the spectators when the black and white outfit played Royal AM in the end leg of the CAF Confederation Cup at Moses Mabhida Stadium on Friday. The player, when interviewed after his unveiling alongside former Mbabane Swallows and Green Mamba striker Musa Dlamini, said he was happy to have joined Highlanders and was looking forward to helping the team. “I am looking forward to playing my first game at Highlanders. I am positive that I will help the team win games,” the former Sagrada Esperanca winger said.

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